Blueberry Delight Bars

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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Blueberry Delight Bars are a burst of summer wrapped up in a sweet, crispy treat. They're the perfect mix of tart blueberries, buttery crust, and a hint of lemon, making them a must-try for any dessert lover. Easy to make and always a hit at gatherings, these bars are a delightful way to enjoy the season’s bounty.

Ingredients for Blueberry Delight Bars

Butter is the backbone of our crust, providing richness and helping everything hold together. Granulated sugar sweetens things up, while a bit of brown sugar adds depth with its molasses undertones. All-purpose flour gives structure, and a pinch of baking powder ensures a slight lift. Salt enhances all those flavors, making them pop. The eggs bind the ingredients together, and a splash of vanilla extract brings warmth to the mix. Of course, the star is our fresh blueberries, offering juicy bursts of flavor, further brightened by a splash of lemon juice. A bit of cornstarch helps thicken the blueberry filling, and finally, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar gives a pretty finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an even crust, use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the dough into the pan.
  • If your blueberries are particularly juicy, increase the cornstarch to prevent a soggy bottom.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.
  • Swap out blueberries for raspberries or blackberries for a fun twist.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate them, try serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a chilled glass of lemonade, enhancing the summer vibes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. No need to thaw them, just increase the baking time by a few minutes.
How should I store leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Blueberry Delight Bars Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While that warms up, grease a 9x13 inch baking pan to ensure nothing sticks. In a large bowl, cream your softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take a few minutes of mixing.

Next, add in the eggs one at a time, giving each a good mix before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to wrap up your wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mix into your creamed mixture until everything is just combined.

Now, spread about two-thirds of this dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Press it down to form a nice, even crust. In another bowl, toss your fresh blueberries with lemon juice and cornstarch until they’re well coated. Spread this blueberry mixture over your crust, making sure to distribute them evenly.

With the remaining dough, crumble it over the top of the blueberries. Aim for an even spread but don’t worry if some blueberries peek through. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown.

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is crucial because it helps everything set up nicely. After they’re cool, cut them into bars and dust with confectioners’ sugar for a sweet finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Uses fresh, seasonal blueberries.
  • Quick to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
  • Great for sharing at picnics or parties.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite berries or toppings.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix into the creamed mixture.
5. Spread 2/3 of the dough into the prepared baking pan, pressing down evenly to form the crust.
6. Toss the blueberries with lemon juice and cornstarch, then spread evenly over the crust.
7. Crumble the remaining dough over the blueberry layer.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
9. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

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